Andy Burnham used his maiden speech at the UN to champion Britain's role in global affairs in the years ahead, pledging to world leaders that they can 'count on us'.
In a wide-ranging address, the new Prime Minister launched a fierce assault on Russia, unveiled a fresh international security agreement with the US just hours after sitting down with Donald Trump, renewed his call for a two-state solution in the Middle East, and announced two significant domestic policies.
Burnham slams Russia: "Insidious campaign"
Having taken to the podium and briefly touched on Brexit, it swiftly became apparent who the main target of his speech would be: Russia. He proceeded to launch a scathing attack on Kremlin meddling in British life, as Putin's delegation looked on.
The PM said: "Russian agencies have used every means at their disposal to spread lies and disinformation and prey on people's fear."
"They've used bots and fake websites. Falsified newspaper articles. Forged the branding of 28 British organisations - including universities and the BBC. They've amplified far-right narratives."
"And we have evidence that they tried to interfere with the 2019 General Election."
He went on to reveal that Putin's government spends '£1.3 billion' on 'manipulating information'.
"We also know that they have tried to stoke tensions and unrest in the wake of horrific events," Burnham continued. "The idea that anyone would try to use such things to their advantage is just repulsive - but it is what they do."
Russia has previously faced accusations of using unlawfully obtained documents relating to UK-US trade negotiations in an attempt to sway the 2019 contest. In a deeply unsettling moment, the Russian delegation displayed virtually no reaction when Burnham levelled these allegations at them.
New 'National Centre for Information Defence' to be created
Shifting from his condemnation of Russia, Burnham unveiled the first of two new domestic policies outlined in his speech. He announced plans to establish a new National Centre for Information Defence, tasked with combating online disinformation and deepfakes that pose a threat to British interests.
The new unit will initially operate out of the Office for the Prime Minister and Cabinet, working in close partnership with intelligence agencies, government departments, the police and social media platforms.
Having raised the 'insidious campaign' orchestrated by the Kremlin, Burnham warned that the new unit would be essential as 'AI will multiply the threat' already posed by malicious actors operating online.
Burnham set to unveil '10 year plan for Britain'
The new government is set to unveil a decade-long blueprint for the nation later this year, Burnham revealed publicly for the first time at the UN.
The plan will centre on getting more people into employment — particularly young people — and alleviating the cost-of-living crisis for the majority of households, Burnham said, though no specific measures were announced at the time.
What is clear, however, is that Burnham is positioning this new plan as a direct response to insecurity. He declared that 'security starts in every home', and expressed his belief that increasing employment makes people less vulnerable to being misled by misinformation online.
He said: "Part of the challenge is to lift our people up and create the opportunities they need. When inequalities grow too wide, our societies are at greater risk."
"So we will work to make life more affordable for people. That will be at the heart of a new 10 year plan for Britain that we will bring forward later in the year."
UK signs AI deal with US as Burnham pitches Britain as 'honest broker'
Just hours after his first encounter with Donald Trump, Burnham announced a new national security agreement with the US as part of a portion of his address which touched on concerns surrounding AI.
He told delegates: "I am announcing today that we are developing a new AI defence partnership with the United States to protect our critical national infrastructure."
Further details of the agreement have yet to be disclosed. Burnham continued by stating that, as 'AI will also be a source of disruption to the way we live and work', he wants the UK to serve as an 'honest broker' to establish 'a single set of global principles and standards' for the development of frontier AI.
Two-state solution must stay in play for Gaza
As his address began to near its conclusion, Burnham shifted his focus to the Middle East, renewing calls for a two-state solution in Gaza.
He denounced Hamas' 2023 attack on Israel as 'utterly horrific', before remarking on Israel's subsequent response: "Far too many people have died, including so many children. Far too little aid is getting in, and it has gone on for far too long."
This was the reason the UK 'banned trading goods with illegal settlements, recognised the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territory is unlawful, and sanctioned those taking part in the construction of illegal settlements' earlier this month, he stated. Nevertheless, Burnham looked ahead and insisted the two-state solution must 'stay alive'.
He further commented: "We want to see the suffering and death finally come to an end. We want to see Israeli and Palestinian people living side by side in peace and security. And we will do all we can to keep the hope of that possibility alive."
'Britain is back... count on us'
Burnham's opening move was to declare to the world that 'Britain is back' - and after 20 minutes, he made clear this meant world leaders can 'count on us' in the years ahead. He wrapped up his address by stating: "You can count on us to stand up for those long standing British values of fairness and justice."
"Count on us to fight racism, discrimination and the abuse of power wherever we see it. Count on us to bring people together."
"Count on us to meet fear and division with unity and hope."
